Having an intact driveway boosts the curb appeal and the value of your home. However, over time, wear and tear results into cracks and potholes which can be devastating. When this happens, homeowners are confused on whether to replace, resurface, or patch the cracks.

Repairing driveway is expensive and most property owners tend to opt for the cheapest option. While this seems cost-effective, it is only in the short run, but in the long run, it can prove costly. Before you decide whether to replace or patch your driveway, consider the following:

Size of the Cracks

Constant freeze-thaw cycles during result in small cracks on your driveway which can be fixed by patching the affected areas. The rule of the thumb is, cracks that are quarter-inch wide or smaller should be fixed with liquid crack-fillers.

On the other hand, if cracks are more than quarter-inch wide, it is advisable to replace the entire driveway. Patching big cracks will temporarily solve the problem and you will be forced to keep on re-patching from time to time. This will be very expensive in the long run.

Whether you decide to patch or replace your driveway in South Wales, always ensure you employ the services of tarmacking specialists who are highly skilled in all aspects of driveway surfacing. Driveway resurfacing can be very complicated if certain steps are not followed or if the preparation phase is not done properly.

The Existing Material

Before you decide to patch, resurface, or replace your driveway, you need to consider the existing material. Some materials such as natural cobblestones are easy to repair. On the other hand, material like concrete will require resurfacing or resealing to maintain the aesthetic appeal.

It is also worth noting that some driveway materials will appear weathered after several years from the constant traffic and exposure to the elements. This will not affect the durability and functionality of the driveway but will definitely dent the curb appeal of your property. Choosing a material that naturally disguises wear and tear will be your best bet.

The Age of the Driveway

Most asphalt and concrete driveways last for about 20 years. Therefore, if your driveway is more than 20 years old, it is best to completely redo the whole thing.

Two decades spent in the elements, the driveway materials are worn out and trying to repair the cracks is not worth the effort. This is because other issues will crop up immediately you are done with patching the old ones. This will be a costly affair without getting the desired outcome.

Drainage Issues

If rainwater is pooling in your driveway or running down in the middle of the driveway, this is a sign of drainage issues. If this is not solved comprehensively, it will continue weakening the driveway surface thus leading to more cracks and potholes.

Instead of just patching and repairing the affected areas, ensure that the drainage issue is first rectified. If the magnitude of the drainage issue is small, you can fix the problem by simply installing strip drains or replacing the drainage piping. However, it will be best to completely redo the drainage system and replace the entire driveway.

Cost Difference Between Repair and Replacement

Choosing between driveway repair and replacement ultimately comes down to the cost element. While replacement is costlier than repairing, some repairs can be expensive enough to outweigh the replacement cost.

Get replacement and repair estimates of your driveway from several driveway specialists in South Wales and go with the option that gives you the best value for your money.

Additionally, if you are planning to sell your home soon, factor in how repair or replacement of the driveway is going to affect its resale value. Will patches dent the overall aesthetic appeal of your property? Will a freshly done driveway add sufficient value to your property to offset the cost? These are some of the questions that you should ask yourself before making a final decision.

Putting all the above factors into consideration will help you make a sound decision on whether to repair or replace your driveway.